Expandable bioabsorbable plug apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for occluding a venous or arterial puncture site is disclosed including a plug insertable within, or adjacent to, a puncture site in a wall of a body lumen. An insert is forced into an aperture within the plug to cause expansion thereof. The insert may be drawn into the aperture by applying tension to a line passing therethrough and secured to the insert. Barbs may secure to the plug to engage the wall of the body lumen or adjacent tissue tract. Elongate members passing through the wall of the plug may be forced outwardly into the wall of the body lumen or adjacent tissue as the insert is forced into the aperture.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. The Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to apparatus and methods for sealing or closing passages through tissue, particularly to devices for delivering a closure device within a passage communicating with a body lumen, such as a blood vessel.

2. The Relevant Technology

Catheterization and interventional procedures, such as angioplasty or stenting, generally are performed by inserting a hollow needle through a patient's skin and muscle tissue into the vascular system. A guide wire may then be passed through the needle lumen into the patient's blood vessel accessed by the needle. The needle may be removed, and an introducer sheath may be advanced over the guide wire into the vessel, e.g., in conjunction with or subsequent to a dilator. A catheter or other device may then be advanced through a lumen of the introducer sheath and over the guide wire into a position for performing a medical procedure. Thus, the introducer sheath may facilitate introduction of various devices into the vessel, while minimizing trauma to the vessel wall and/or minimizing blood loss during a procedure.

Upon completion of the procedure, the devices and introducer sheath may be removed, leaving a puncture site in the vessel wall. External pressure may be applied to the puncture site until clotting and wound sealing occur. This procedure, however, may be time consuming and expensive, requiring as much as an hour of a physician's or nurse's time. It is also uncomfortable for the patient, and requires that the patient remain immobilized in the operating room, catheter lab, or holding area. In addition, a risk of hematoma exists from bleeding before hemostasis occurs.

Various apparatus have been suggested for percutaneously sealing a vascular puncture by occluding the puncture site. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,192,302 and 5,222,974, the use of a biodegradable plug that may be delivered through an introducer sheath into a puncture site. When deployed, the plug may seal the vessel and provide hemostasis. Such devices, however, may be difficult to retain within the vessel, which may be particularly significant since it is generally undesirable to expose the plug material within the bloodstream, where it may float downstream and risk causing an embolism.

Accordingly, apparatus and methods for sealing punctures or other passages through tissue communicating with a blood vessel would be considered useful.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

These and other limitations are overcome by embodiments of the disclosure, which relates to apparatuses and methods for occluding a venous or arterial puncture site are disclosed. In particular, apparatuses and methods are disclosed for expanding a plug inserted within, or adjacent to, an arterial puncture site. In one embodiment, an apparatus for filling an opening in a wall of a body lumen includes a plug formed of a bioabsorbable material and defining an aperture extending through the plug from an upper surface to a lower surface thereof, the aperture having a plug engagement surface. An insert formed of a bioabsorbable material is positioned within the aperture and has an insert engagement surface contacting the plug engagement surface. The plug engagement surface has an undeformed inner diameter less than an undeformed outer diameter of the insert engagement surface.

An embodiment of an apparatus for filling an opening in a wall of a body lumen is described. The apparatus includes a plug formed of a bioabsorbable material. The plug defines an aperture extending through the plug from an upper surface to a lower surface thereof. The aperture has a plug engagement surface. The apparatus includes an insert formed of a bioabsorbable material positioned within the aperture. The insert has an insert engagement surface contacting the plug engagement surface. The plug engagement surface has an undeformed inner diameter less than an undeformed outer diameter of the insert engagement surface.

In some embodiments, elongate members may extend through the plug from adjacent the insert and projecting outwardly from the plug. The apparatus, in further embodiments, may include a plurality of projections secured to the plug proximate the lower surface and extending toward the upper surface. In still further embodiments, the plurality of projections are barbs having a wide end thereof secured to the plug proximate the lower surface.

The plug, in some embodiments, may define a plurality of slits extending upwardly from the lower surface a portion of a distance between the upper and lower surfaces. In further embodiments, the insert and the aperture may be tapered. The insert, in still further embodiments may be spherical.

In some embodiments, the insert may include a cylindrical portion having at least one tapered end portion. The plug, in further embodiments, may include at least one stop projecting into the aperture, the insert positioned abutting the stop. In still further embodiments, the bioabsorbable material may be chitosan.

A further embodiment of an apparatus for filling an opening in a wall of a body lumen is described. The apparatus includes a plug formed of a bioabsorbable material. The plug defines an aperture extending through the plug from an upper surface to a lower surface thereof. The apparatus includes a plurality of elongate members extending slidably through the plug and projecting into the aperture.

In some embodiments, the aperture may define a wide portion proximate the lower surface and a narrow portion proximate the upper surface. A tapered surface, in further embodiments, may extend between the wide portion and the narrow portion. In still further embodiments, the plurality of elongate members may extend into the aperture through the tapered surface. In even further embodiments, the plurality of elongate members may extend toward the upper surface with distance from the aperture.

The apparatus, in some embodiments, may include a plurality of projections secured to the plug proximate the lower surface and extending toward the upper surface. In further embodiments, the projections may be barbs that may be secured at a wide end thereof to the plug proximate the lower surface. The plug, in still further embodiments, may define a plurality of slits extending upwardly from the lower surface a portion of a distance between the upper and lower surfaces.

A still further embodiment of an assembly for filling an opening in a wall of a body lumen is described. The apparatus includes a plug formed of a bioabsorbable material. The plug defines an aperture extending through the plug from an upper surface to a lower surface thereof. The aperture has a plug engagement surface. The apparatus includes an insert formed of a bioabsorbable material. The insert has an insert engagement surface positionable and/or contacting the plug engagement surface. The apparatus includes an actuating member engaging the insert and selectively movable to urge the inset engagement surface against the plug engagement surface and expand an outer diameter of the plug is expanded.

In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a rigid catheter. The actuating member, in further embodiments, may include a tether extending through the catheter having the plug positioned between the insert and the catheter.

An embodiment of a method for filling an opening in a wall of a body lumen is described. The method includes inserting a plug including a bioabsorbable material into the opening. The plug defines an aperture. An insert is positioned into the aperture. The insert includes a bioabsorbable material. The insert has an outer diameter greater than an undeformed inner diameter of the aperture.

In some embodiments, the wall may define an inner and an outer surface. Inserting the plug into the opening, in further embodiments, may include inserting the plug through the outer surface. In still further embodiments, positioning the insert in the aperture may include passing the insert from outside the body lumen into the aperture.

Positioning the insert in the aperture, in some embodiments, may include urging the insert into the aperture such that it abuts a stop projecting into the aperture. In further embodiments, positioning the insert in the aperture may include drawing the insert from inside the body lumen into the aperture. Drawing the insert from inside the body lumen into the aperture, in still further embodiments, may include tensioning a tether secured to the insert and passing through the aperture. In yet further embodiments, drawing the insert from inside the body lumen into the aperture may include pressing a catheter against the upper surface of the plug. The tether, in even further embodiments, may extend through the catheter having the plug initially positioned between the insert and the catheter.

In some embodiments, the method may include detaching the tether from the insert by applying an amount of tension effective to cause detachment. Positioning the insert in the aperture, in further embodiments, may include urging the insert against a plurality of elongate members extending slidably through the plug and projecting into the aperture such that the elongate members are urged outwardly from the plug into the wall of the body lumen. In still further embodiments, the plug may include a plurality of projections secured to a lower portion of the plug proximate the lower surface and extending toward the upper surface. Inserting the plug into the opening, in yet further embodiments, may include inserting the lower portion of the plug into the body lumen and drawing the lower portion outwardly from the body lumen such that the plurality of projections are urged into the wall.

Positioning the insert in the aperture, in some embodiments, may include positioning at least a portion of the insert in the aperture before drawing the lower portion proximally from the body lumen. In further embodiments, the plug may define a plurality of slits extending upwardly from the lower surface a portion of a distance between the upper and lower surfaces. Positioning the insert in the aperture, in still further embodiments, may include flaring outwardly from the insert portions of the plug extending between adjacent slits.

Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of the disclosure. The features and advantages of the disclosure may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To further clarify the above and other advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only illustrated embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an assembly for occluding openings in a body lumen in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 2A through 2E illustrate a method for installing a plug within an opening in a wall of a body lumen in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a plug for occluding an opening in a wall of a body lumen in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates an insert for expanding a plug within an opening in a wall of a body lumen in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 5A through 5E illustrate a method for positioning the plug of FIG. 3 within an opening in a wall of a body lumen in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 6A through 6C illustrate a plug positioned within an opening in a wall of a body lumen having an insert coupled to a detachment device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate alternative embodiments of a plug for insertion within an opening in a wall of a body lumen in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of an insert that may be suitable for use with the plugs shown in FIGS. 7A-7B; and

FIGS. 9A through 9D illustrate a method for positioning the plugs of FIGS. 7A and 7B within an opening in a wall of a body lumen in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1, an assembly 10 may be used to occlude punctures in a wall of a blood vessel, or other body lumen, following catheterization, other interventional procedures, or the like. The assembly 10 includes a catheter 12 or like device that may be inserted through a procedural sheath penetrating the skin, tissue, and vessel wall in order to provide access to the body lumen. The catheter 12 can be sufficiently rigid to permit transmission of compressive force therethrough. The catheter 12 may define a channel 14 for transmitting force from a proximal end (not shown) located externally from the patient's body to a distal end 16 thereof located within a patient's body during use.

The assembly 10 further includes a plug 18 located at the distal end 16 of the catheter and an insert 20. The plug 18, defines a receiver 22 into which the insert 20 may be inserted through the application of force. An actuating member 24, such as a line or tether 26, transmits force from the proximal end of the catheter to the distal end 16 in order to drive the insert 20 into the receiver 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the line 26 extends through the receiver 22 such that the plug 18 is captured between the insert and the distal end 16 of the catheter. The line 26 may extend either externally along the catheter 12 or through the catheter channel 14. In some embodiments, the line 26 may be embodied as the guide wire used for locating an introducer sheath as discussed hereinabove.

Referring to FIG. 2A, in one method of use, the assembly 10 is used to occlude punctures 34 in a wall 36 of a body lumen 38. The puncture 34 may coincide with a tissue tract 40 providing access to the puncture 34 through the tissue 42, such as skin, muscle, and subcutaneous fat, covering the wall 36. As shown in FIG. 2A, a sheath 44 penetrates completely or partially from an outer surface 46 to the body lumen 38. The plug 18 and insert 20 are introduced through the sheath 44 into the body lumen 38 by applying pressure to the plug 18 using the catheter 12 along a distal direction 48. In the illustrated embodiment, the plug 18 and insert 20 exit the sheath 44 within the body lumen. However, in other methods of use, the plug 18 and insert 20 exit the sheath 44 within the tissue tract 40 or puncture 34.

Referring to FIG. 2B, the plug 18 may then be drawn along the proximal direction 50 through the puncture 34 into the position shown in FIG. 2B. In some embodiments, the plug 18 may have a thickness less than, or equal to, that of the wall 36, such that no portion of the plug 18 projects into the tissue tract 40. In other embodiments, the plug 18 occupies a portion of both the puncture 34 and the tissue tract 40. In still other embodiments, the plug 18 only occupies a portion of the tissue tract 40, and no portion is located within the puncture 34. Drawing the plug 18 into the position shown in FIG. 2B may include applying a slight tensioning force on the line 26 to retain the insert 20 proximate the plug. The slight tension can be insufficient to force the insert 20 into the receiver 22.

In some embodiments, the plug 18 exits the sheath 44 in the position shown in FIG. 2B, such that it is not necessary to urge the plug 18 into the illustrated position. The sheath 44 may be withdrawn sufficiently prior to moving the plug 18 to the position of FIG. 2B such that the plug 18 contacts the tissue tract 40 when it is drawn into the tissue tract 40.

Referring to FIG. 2C, the insert 20 may then be drawn into the receiver 22 of the plug 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the line 26 is tensioned sufficiently along the proximal direction 50 to urge the insert 20 into the receiver 22. Pressure may be applied to the catheter 12 along the distal direction 48 to hinder the plug 18 from moving proximally from the puncture 34 and/or tissue tract 40. The insert 20 can be sized such that forcing the insert 20 into the receiver 22 causes the plug 18 to expand. In the illustrated embodiment, both the receiver 22 and insert 20 are tapered such that both narrow with distance from the body lumen 38. In such embodiments, the insert 20 can be drawn into the receiver 22 a sufficient distance such that at least a portion of an outer surface 46 of the plug 18 contacts the receiver 22 at a point where the outer surface 46 has an undeformed diameter greater than the receiver 22 at the point of contact. As shown in FIG. 2C, drawing the insert 20 into the receiver 22 causes the plug 18 to expand and grip either the wall 36, tissue tract 40, or both. The insert 20 can be forced into the receiver 22 to an extent sufficient to expand an outer diameter of at least a portion of the plug 18 by between about 5 and 100 percent of its original diameter. The amount of expansion of the plug 18 is preferably sufficient to prevent dislocation of the plug 18 from one or both of the tissue tract 40 and the puncture 34. The amount of expansion may also be chosen to reduce discomfort to the patient. In some embodiments, the insert 20 is forced into the receiver 22 to an extent effective to expand the outer diameter of at least a portion of the plug by at least 2 French.

Referring to FIG. 2D, after the insert 20 is positioned within the receiver 22, the line 26 is further tensioned in the proximal direction 50 such that the line 26 detaches from the insert 20. A corresponding opposing force may be applied to the plug 18 in the distal direction 48 using the catheter 12 in order to hinder movement of the plug 18 in the proximal direction 50. The tension required to detach the line 26 from the insert 20 can be substantially greater than that required to draw the insert 20 into the receiver 22. For example, the tension required for detachment, may be about two to ten times greater than that required to draw the insert 20 into the receiver 22.

Referring to FIG. 2E, the insert 20 and receiver 22 may have various sizes and shapes. For example, the insert 20 may be substantially spherical and have an undeformed width 52 greater than an undeformed diameter 54 of the receiver 22.

Referring to FIG. 3, in an alternative embodiment, a plug 60 having a receiver 62 is used to occlude punctures in a wall of a body lumen. The receiver 62 may be embodied as an aperture 64 extending from an upper surface 66 to a lower surface 68 of the plug 60. For purposes of this disclosure, the upper surface 66 is that which is farthest from the body lumen and the lower surface 68 is that which is closest to the body lumen.

The aperture 64 may define a wide portion 70 and a narrow portion 72, where the wide portion is closer to the lower surface 68. A tapered, or conical, portion 74 may extend between the wide portion 70 and narrow portion 72. In some embodiments, a constriction or tapered portion 76, may be positioned between the wide portion 70 and the lower surface 68. Slits 78 may be formed in the plug 60 to facilitate expansion thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the slits 78 extend upwardly from the lower surface 68 a portion of the distance between the upper surface 66 and lower surface 68. For example, the slits 78 may extend between 20% and 80% of the distance between the upper surface 66 and lower surface 68. The lengths of the slits 78 may be varied beyond the range recited herein depending on an amount of expansion desired for the plug 60 for a given application. The slits 78 may extend outwardly from the aperture 64 completely to the outer surface 80 of the plug 60. However, in some embodiments, the slits do not completely occupy the distance from the aperture 64 to the outer surface 80 of the plug 60.

In some embodiments, projections, such as barbs 81, extend outwardly from the plug 60 in order to engage the wall 36 or tissue tract 40. In the illustrated embodiment, the barbs 81 have a wide end 82 secured to the plug 60 proximate the lower surface 68 and project toward the upper surface 66. A gap 83 may be defined between distal portions of the barbs 81 and the outer surface 80. In some embodiments, the barbs 81, or at least one surface 85 of the barbs 81, may extend outwardly from the outer surface 80 with distance from the lower surface 68.

In some embodiments, elongate members 84 extend slidably through the plug 60 and include a portion 86 projecting into the aperture 64. The plug 60 may define channels 88 sized to slidably receive the elongate members 84. In the illustrated embodiment, the channels 88 extend from the aperture 64 to the outer surface 80 of the plug 60. In the illustrated embodiment, the channels 88 extend through the tapered portion 74 of the aperture 64.

In some embodiments, the aperture 64 is centered on an axis 90 extending between the upper surface 66 and lower surface 68. The channels 88 may extend through the plug 60 at an angle 92 relative to the axis 90. For example, the angle 92 may be such that the channels 88 extend toward the upper surface 66 with distance from the axis 90 or aperture 64. The angle 92 may be between 90 and 20 degrees, or between 70 and 30 degrees. In some embodiments, the channels 88 are normal to the portion of the aperture 64 through which they extend, such as the tapered portion 74.

The elongate members 84 can have a length 94 greater than a length 96 of the channel 88 through which they extend such that a portion 86 extends into the aperture 64 when one end of the elongate members 84 is flush with the outer surface 80 of the plug 60. The end of the elongate members 84 closest to the outer surface 80 may be tapered, as may be the end closest to the aperture 64.

Referring to FIG. 4, an insert 100 may be used with the plug 60. The insert 100 may include a narrow portion 102 and wide portion 104 corresponding to the narrow portion 72 and wide portion 70, respectively, of the aperture 64 defined by the plug 60. A tapered portion 106 corresponding to the tapered portion 74 may extend between the narrow portion 102 and wide portion 104. The insert 100 may also include a lower tapered portion 108 corresponding to the tapered portion 76 of the plug 60.

One or both of the narrow portion 102 and wide portion 104 may have an undeformed diameter greater than an undeformed diameter of the narrow portion 72 and wide portion 70 of the aperture 64, respectively, such that the plug 60 is expanded when the insert 100 is positioned within the aperture 64.

The insert 100 may further include an aperture 110 for receiving a line 112 that is tensioned to draw the insert 100 into the aperture 64. In some embodiments, the insert 110 is molded around the line 112. A portion of the line 112 positioned within the aperture 110 may be roughened, bent, or otherwise shaped, in order to increase the amount of tension required to detach the line 112 from the insert 100. Alternatively, the coupling between the insert 100 and the line 112 may be such that the amount of tension required to decouple the line 112 from the insert 100 is greater than a tensile strength of the line 112, such that the line 112 breaks rather than detaches.

The plug 60 and insert 100 may be used in accordance with a method illustrated in FIGS. 5A through 5E. Referring to FIG. 5A, the plug 60 and insert 100 may be inserted through the sheath 44 into the body lumen 38. In some embodiments, the plug 60 and insert 100 may exit the sheath 44 within the puncture 34 or tissue tract 40. The plug 60 and insert 100 may be urged along the distal direction 48 through the sheath 44 and outwardly from the sheath 44 by means of the catheter 12.

The insert 100 may be oriented relative to the plug such that the plug 60 is positioned between the insert 100 and the catheter 12 having the line 112 extending through aperture 64 and up the catheter lumen 14 or along an outer surface of the catheter 12. A slight tension may be applied to the line 112 during insertion of the plug 60 and insert 100 into the lumen 38 such that the insert 100 is retained adjacent the plug 60. The slight tension can be less than that required to draw the insert 100 into the plug 60.

Referring to FIG. 5B, while the plug and insert 100 are positioned within the body lumen 38, the insert 100 may be drawn partially into the aperture 64 such that the portion of the plug 60 adjacent the lower surface 68 is flared. The slits 78 may facilitate flaring of the plug 60 during this step. In a like manner, the constriction 76 may also facilitate flaring of the plug 60 during this step by engaging the insert 100. The opening defined by the constriction 76 may have a diameter greater than or equal to the narrow portion 102 of the insert 100 but less than the wide portion 104. The dimensions of the constriction 76 will therefore facilitate registration of the plug 60 with the aperture 64 during insertion. The step illustrated in FIG. 5B may include drawing the insert 100 into the aperture 64 so that at least a portion of the wide portion 104 is positioned within the aperture 64. In embodiments where the plug 60 exits the sheath within the puncture 34 or tissue tract 40, the step illustrated in FIG. 5B may be performed within the puncture 34 or tissue tract 40. The sheath 44 may be withdrawn from one or both of the puncture 34 and tissue tract 40 prior to performing the step of FIG. 5B. However, in some embodiments, the sheath 44 may remain in place.

Referring to FIG. 5C, the plug 60 may then be drawn into one or both of the puncture 34 and tissue tract 40. As the plug 60 is drawn into the puncture 34 and/or tissue tract 40, the barbs 81 may be urged into the wall 36 and/or tissue 42. Drawing the plug 60 into the puncture 34 and/or tissue tract 40 may include applying tension to the line 112 in the proximal direction 50 while also drawing the catheter 12 in the proximal direction 50. In some embodiments, the step illustrated in FIG. 5B may be omitted and the plug 60 may be drawn into the puncture 34 and/or tract 40 without first drawing the insert 100 partially into the plug 60.

Referring to FIG. 5D, after the plug is positioned within the puncture 34 and/or tissue tract 40, the insert 100 may then be drawn into the plug 60 an amount effective to expand the outer diameter of at least a portion of the plug 60. The insert 100 can be forced into the receiver aperture 64 to an extent sufficient to expand an outer diameter of at least a portion of the plug 60 by between about 5 and 100 percent of the original diameter thereof. The amount of expansion of the plug 60 is preferably sufficient to prevent dislocation of the plug 60 from one or both of the tissue tract 40 and the puncture 34. The amount of expansion may also be chosen to reduce discomfort to the patient. In some embodiments, the insert 100 is forced into the aperture 64 to an extent effective to expand the outer diameter of at least a portion of the plug by at least 2 French.

In embodiments of the plug 60 including elongate members 84 positioned within channels 88, the step of FIG. 5D may include drawing the insert 100 into the aperture 64 an amount effective to urge a portion 114 of the elongate members 84 outwardly from the plug 60 and into the tissue 42. In the illustrated embodiment, the insert 100 is drawn into the aperture 64 such that the tapered portion 106 abuts the tapered portion 74 of the aperture 64.

Referring to FIG. 5E, after the insert 100 is drawn into the aperture 64, the line 112 may be detached. The line 112 may be detached by applying sufficient tension to the line 112 to cause it to break or separate from the insert 100. Alternatively, a tool may be threaded through the catheter 12 or sheath 44 and used to cut the line 112. The line 112 may be formed of a bioabsorbable material such that a portion of the line 112 may remain attached to the insert 100 without causing harm to a patient. Following detachment of the line 112, the catheter 12 may be withdrawn.

Referring to FIGS. 6A through 6C, in alternative embodiments, the insert 100 may be secured to a line 112 including anchor device 140, such as the anchor members disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. 12/684,400, filed Jan. 8, 2010, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. The line 112 may include a first line portion 142 and second line portion 144 secured to the locator device 140. When both line portions 142, 144 are tensioned, a locator portion 146 remains in a widened configuration having a width 148 that is substantially greater than that of an aperture 150 extending through the insert 100. When tension is applied to only one of the line portions 142, 144, the locator portion 146 will unravel, and eventually be drawn through the aperture 150 as shown in FIGS. 6B and 6C. Accordingly, the locator device 140 may be used to draw the insert into the positions illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5E by applying tension to both line portions 142, 144. The line 112 may then be detached using the locator device 140 by applying tension to only one of the line portions 142, 144. The locator device 140 may likewise be used for the line 26 in the embodiments of FIGS. 1 through 2E.

Referring to FIG. 7A, in some embodiments a plug 160 may be configured to receive an insert inserted in the distal direction 48. In such embodiments, the plug 160 may define a receiver 162 for receiving the insert embodied as an aperture 164 extending from an upper surface 166 of the plug 160 toward a lower surface 168. The aperture 164 can be tapered such that it narrows with distance from the upper surface 166. However, other configurations, including cylindrical apertures may also be used for the aperture 164.

Slits 170 may be formed in the plug 160 to facilitate expansion thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the slits 170 extend upwardly from the lower surface 168 a portion of the distance between the upper surface 166 and lower surface 168. For example, the slits 170 may extend between 20% and 80% of the distance between the upper surface 166 and lower surface 168. The lengths of the slits 170 may be varied beyond the range recited herein depending on an amount of expansion desired for the plug 160 for a given application. The slits 170 may extend outwardly from the aperture 164 completely to the outer surface 172 of the plug 160. However, in some embodiments, the slits 170 do not completely occupy the distance form the aperture 164 to the outer surface 172 of the plug 160. Referring to FIG. 7B, in some embodiments, one or more stops 174 may project into the aperture 164 a distance effective to prevent an insert from passing completely through the plug 160 into a body lumen 38.

Referring to FIG. 8, an insert 176 suitable for use with the plug 160 may have a shape corresponding to that of the aperture 164. For example, the plug 160 may have a conical surface 178 for engagement with the aperture 164. The plug 160 may include at least a portion having an undeformed outer diameter greater than an inner diameter of at least a portion of the aperture 164.

The plug 160 and insert 176 may be used in accordance with a method illustrated in FIGS. 9A through 9D. Referring to FIG. 9A, the plug 160 and insert 176 may be inserted through the sheath 44 into the body lumen 38 along the distal direction 48. In some embodiments, the plug 160 and insert 176 may exit the sheath 44 within the puncture 34 or tissue tract 40. The plug 160 and insert 176 may be urged along the distal direction 48 through the sheath 44 and outwardly from the sheath 44 by means of the catheter 12.

The insert 176 may be oriented relative to the plug 160 such that the insert 176 is positioned between the plug 160 and the catheter 12. The plug 160 may be secured to one or more lines 182 extending around the insert 176 and up the catheter lumen 14 or along an outer surface of the catheter 12. The lines 182 may include wire, suture material, or other structure having sufficient tensile strength. A slight tension may be applied to the lines 182 during insertion of the plug 160 and insert 176 into the lumen 38 such that the plug 160 is retained adjacent the insert 176. The slight tension can be less than that required to force the insert 176 into the plug 160. A push rod 184 may also extend through the lumen 14 of the catheter 12 and engage the insert 176. The position of the push rod 184 relative to the plug 160 can be maintained sufficiently constant such that the insert 176 is not pushed into the aperture 164. For example, force may not be applied to the push rod in an amount effective to urge the insert 176 into the aperture 164.

Referring to FIG. 9B, the plug 160 may then be drawn into one or both of the puncture 34 and tissue tract 40. The sheath 44 may also be withdrawn from the puncture 34 and tissue tract 40. Drawing the plug 160 into the puncture 34 and/or tissue tract 40 may include applying tension to the lines 182 in the proximal direction 50 while also drawing the catheter 12 in the proximal direction 50. In some embodiments, the plug 160 may exit the sheath 44 within the tissue tract 40 and/or puncture 34, accordingly, drawing the plug into the position shown in FIG. 9B from within the body lumen 38 is not necessary.

Referring to FIG. 9C, after the plug is positioned within the puncture 34 and/or tissue tract 40, the insert 176 may be forced into the aperture 164 an amount effective to expand the outer diameter of at least a portion of the plug 160. The insert 176 may be forced into the aperture 164 by urging the push rod 184 against the insert 176 in the distal direction 48. In some embodiments, the insert 176 is forced into the aperture 164 until it engages the stops 174. The insert 176 may be forced into the receiver aperture 164 to an extent sufficient to expand an outer diameter of at least a portion of the plug 160 by between about 5 and 100 percent of the original diameter thereof. The amount of expansion of the plug 160 is preferably sufficient to prevent dislocation of the plug 160 from one or both of the tissue tract 40 and the puncture 34. The amount of expansion may also be chosen to reduce discomfort to the patient. In some embodiments, the insert 176 is forced into the aperture 164 to an extent effective to expand the outer diameter of at least a portion of the plug by at least 2 French.

Referring to FIG. 9D, after the insert 176 is drawn into the aperture 164, the lines 182 may be detached. The lines 182 may be detached by applying sufficient tension to the lines 182 to cause them to break or separate from the plug 160. Alternatively, a tool may be threaded through the catheter 12 or sheath 44 and used to cut the lines 182. The lines 182 may be formed of a bioabsorbable material such that a portion of the lines 182 may remain attached to the plug 160 without causing harm to a patient. Following detachment of the lines 182, the catheter 12 may be withdrawn. In yet another alternative embodiment, the lines 182 may be secured to the plug 160 by means of the locator device 140 illustrated in FIGS. 6A through 6C, such that the lines 182 are detached by tensioning one of two line portions 142, 144.

The plugs 18, 60, 160 and inserts 20, 100, 176 described herein may be formed of any biocompatible, bioresorbable, bioabsorbable, and bioerodible materials, or combinations thereof. For example, and not by limitation, suitable bioabsorbable materials may include magnesium, zinc, iron, silicon, zinc titanium, magnesium lithium, polyglycolic acid (PGA), polyhydroxybutyric acid, polyL-Lactic acid (PLLA), poly dl-lactic acid (PDLLA), polydilactidel glycolide acid, polydilactid acid, PolyDL Lactide-co-glycolide, Polylactic acid, Polyhydroxyalkanoates, polylactic acid-co-caprolactone, polylactic acid-co-Chitosan, poly-phosphazenes, poly-anhydrides, degradable poly-urethanes, biodegradable poly-carbonates, biodegradable ceramics such as those based on tricalcium phosphate or hydroxyapatite, analogous materials, co-polymers thereof, derivatives thereof, and any combinations thereof. One or both of the plugs and inserts may also be coated with chitosan to promote hemostasis and bonding with the puncture 34 or tissue tract 40.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. 

1. An apparatus for filling an opening in a wall of a body lumen comprising: a plug formed of a bioabsorbable material and defining an aperture extending through the plug from an upper surface to a lower surface thereof, the aperture having a plug engagement surface; and an insert formed of a bioabsorbable material positioned within the aperture, the insert having an insert engagement surface contacting the plug engagement surface, the plug engagement surface having an undeformed inner diameter less than an undeformed outer diameter of the insert engagement surface.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising elongate members extending through the plug from adjacent the insert and projecting outwardly from the plug.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of projections secured to the plug proximate the lower surface and extending toward the upper surface.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the plurality of projections are barbs having a wide end thereof secured to the plug proximate the lower surface.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plug defines a plurality of slits extending upwardly from the lower surface a portion of a distance between the upper and lower surfaces.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the insert and the aperture are tapered.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the insert is spherical.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the insert comprises a cylindrical portion having at least one tapered end portion.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plug further comprises at least one stop projecting into the aperture, the insert positioned abutting the stop.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bioabsorbable material is chitosan.
 11. An apparatus for filling an opening in a wall of a body lumen comprising: a plug formed of a bioabsorbable material and defining an aperture extending through the plug from an upper surface to a lower surface thereof; and a plurality of elongate members extending slidably through the plug and projecting into the aperture.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the aperture defines a wide portion proximate the lower surface and a narrow portion proximate the upper surface.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a tapered surface extending between the wide portion and the narrow portion.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the plurality of elongate members extend into the aperture through the tapered surface.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the plurality of elongate members extend toward the upper surface with distance from the aperture.
 16. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a plurality of projections secured to the plug proximate the lower surface and extending toward the upper surface.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the projections are barbs secured at a wide end thereof to the plug proximate the lower surface.
 18. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the plug defines a plurality of slits extending upwardly from the lower surface a portion of a distance between the upper and lower surfaces.
 19. An assembly for filling an opening in a wall of a body lumen comprising: a plug formed of a bioabsorbable material and defining an aperture extending through the plug from an upper surface to a lower surface thereof, the aperture having a plug engagement surface; and an insert formed of a bioabsorbable material, the insert having an insert engagement surface positionable contacting the plug engagement surface; and an actuating member engaging the insert and selectively movable to urge the inset engagement surface against the plug engagement surface and expand an outer diameter of the plug is expanded.
 20. The assembly of claim 19, further comprising a rigid catheter; wherein the actuating member is a tether extending through the catheter having the plug positioned between the insert and the catheter.
 21. A method for filling an opening in a wall of a body lumen comprising: inserting a plug including a bioabsorbable material into the opening, the plug defining an aperture; and positioning an insert including a bioabsorbable material into the aperture, the insert having an outer diameter greater than an undeformed inner diameter of the aperture.
 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the wall defines an inner and an outer surface; and wherein inserting the plug into the opening comprises inserting the plug through the outer surface.
 23. The method of claim 21, wherein positioning the insert in the aperture comprises passing the insert from outside the body lumen into the aperture.
 24. The method of claim 23, wherein positioning the insert in the aperture comprises urging the insert into the aperture such that it abuts a stop projecting into the aperture.
 25. The method of claim 21, wherein positioning the insert in the aperture comprises drawing the insert from inside the body lumen into the aperture.
 26. The method of claim 25, wherein drawing the insert from inside the body lumen into the aperture comprises tensioning a tether secured to the insert and passing through the aperture.
 27. The method of claim 26, wherein drawing the insert from inside the body lumen into the aperture comprises pressing a catheter against the upper surface of the plug, the tether extending through the catheter having the plug initially positioned between the insert and the catheter.
 28. The method of claim 26, further comprising detaching the tether from the insert by applying an amount of tension effective to cause detachment.
 29. The method of claim 21, wherein positioning the insert in the aperture comprises urging the insert against a plurality of elongate members extending slidably through the plug and projecting into the aperture such that the elongate members are urged outwardly from the plug into the wall of the body lumen.
 30. The method of claim 21, wherein the plug further comprises a plurality of projections secured to a lower portion of the plug proximate the lower surface and extending toward the upper surface and wherein inserting the plug into the opening comprises: inserting the lower portion of the plug into the body lumen; and drawing the lower portion outwardly from the body lumen such that the plurality of projections are urged into the wall.
 31. The method of claim 30, wherein positioning the insert in the aperture comprises positioning at least a portion of the insert in the aperture before drawing the lower portion proximally from the body lumen.
 32. The method of claim 21, wherein the plug defines a plurality of slits extending upwardly from the lower surface a portion of a distance between the upper and lower surfaces; and wherein positioning the insert in the aperture comprises flaring outwardly from the insert portions of the plug extending between adjacent slits. 